Waterball returned to campus last year and is back again in full swing this year. However, because of injuries last year, the rules have recently changed.

Kenli Edwards, head intramural director, clarified the change.

“The only new rule is that you cannot hold your opponent or make aggressive contact if your opponent doesn’t have the ball or is going for the ball,” Edwards said. “Changes were made to keep waterball as an intramural sport and to keep anger and tempers at a low.”

Stephanie Bradley, member of the Alpha Kai Omega team, believes this rule will change the game significantly.

“I think the new waterball rules have drastically changed the game,” said Bradley, junior music education major from Littleton, Colo. “The game is no longer an all-out brawl, but is now about strategy and fast-paced swimming.”

Bradley, also said that it makes the game safer for people who have never played before. She also said it makes the veteran players have to adapt to the new rules so they won’t get a penalty call.

GATA is one of the social clubs that will be grateful for the rule change. In the championship game last year, GATA had many injuries, including a woman being placed in the emergency room.

Kaylee McGee, junior speech pathology major from Aledo and GATA intramural director, supports the rule change.

“I think the rules are going to prevent injuries, because we aren’t allowed as much physical contact,” McGee said. “However, they’re going to take a while to get used to. It’s still going to be intense though so everyone needs to come watch.”

This isn’t the first time that rules have been changed in this sport. During the 2008 school year, waterball was cut from the intramural schedule because of injuries and unsportsmanlike conduct. When it came back during the 2009 school year, dunking and holding became a penalty and all players had to sign a waiver releasing the school and the intramural office from liability for injuries.